In the boundless expanse of the Qiyie Desert.
Chu Qingchuan cut a sorry figure, his clothes tattered and torn, bearing no resemblance to the once-favored Son of Fortune blessed by the heavens.
The cultivation techniques he had learned in the Taiqing Sect had all been nullified, and his already grievously injured body was now in even worse condition, with his cultivation regressing perilously close to the Nascent Soul stage.
As for his spiritual sense, it was severely damaged.
What unsettled Chu Qingchuan the most, however, was the divine artifact—the Refinement of the Soul Tome.
The tome had already begun resisting his commands.
Given a little more time, he might not even be able to flip open its first page.
Suppressing the panic in his heart, Chu Qingchuan recalled the events of the past few days, his eyes darkening with venomous resentment.
After leaving the Taiqing Sect, he had nowhere to go but the Bai family.
Yet the Bai family patriarch, likely deeming him no longer useful, had treated him with superficial courtesy while withholding even a single healing treasure to aid his recovery.
Some members of the Bai family had even sneered at his injuries, with a few going so far as to try and force him out.
Had it not been for Bai Wanyi’s unwavering devotion—risking her father’s displeasure to provide him with precious medicines—he might not even have been able to wield spiritual energy now.
Expressionlessly, Chu Qingchuan wiped the blood from his face.
To this day, he still couldn’t comprehend why his plan had failed.
It had been flawless, with no conceivable loopholes.
The Soul-Bewitching Stone was one of the supreme treasures of the cultivation world, capable of altering a person’s very perception. Even a Tribulation Transcension cultivator couldn’t resist its power, let alone Xu Wanci, who had only just reached the Great Ascension stage.
Moreover, he had meticulously replicated the aura and characteristics of Immortal Venerable Qingyan. Under the influence of the stone, she should never have noticed anything amiss.
What baffled him most was her sword strike.
It had been merciless, aimed directly at his vitals.
Hadn’t she loved Immortal Venerable Qingyan deeply?
Hadn’t she risked everything for even the slimmest chance of his survival?
After a century of waiting, why had she struck without hesitation when faced with someone who bore even a resemblance to him?
A fleeting thought crossed Chu Qingchuan’s mind, but it vanished before he could grasp it.
A gust of wind laden with yellow sand snapped him back to reality. Before him lay a barrier.
After leaving the Bai family, he had dragged his wounded body here, guided by an inexplicable pull.
Sensing the faint wisps of immortal energy seeping from the barrier, he cast aside his doubts, his eyes alight with barely contained excitement.
He had a premonition—if he could seize the opportunity hidden within, not only would his injuries heal, but his cultivation might even advance to the Tribulation Transcension stage.
At this thought, Chu Qingchuan exhaled slowly.
He could sense it—the barrier would open in just a few days.
If no one detected the fluctuations emanating from this place before then, the treasure would be his.
Just then, a seventh-grade Desert Pincer Scorpion scuttled past the edge of the barrier.
The already precarious equilibrium of the barrier wavered, thinning slightly and allowing immortal energy to leak out.
Every Tribulation Transcension cultivator in the cultivation world sensed the presence of this opportunity.
Chu Qingchuan’s face froze.
In his current state, he stood no chance against those venerable experts.
Despair filled his heart.
Once, whatever he desired would appear before him, obtained with little effort.
But at some point, his fortune had dwindled—now, it only guided him to opportunities.
To seize them, he had to endure life-and-death trials.
This time was no exception.
Feeling the approaching auras in the sky, Chu Qingchuan gritted his teeth and retreated into his pocket dimension.
Back in the Taiqing Sect, everyone had also witnessed the celestial phenomenon heralding the treasure’s emergence.
Xu Wanci gazed at the spectacle in the sky, her expression calm and resolute.
The original narrative had made no mention of this opportunity.
She knew nothing about this treasure or the dangers it might bring.
Yet, she had never considered backing down.
If she wanted strength, if she wanted control over her own fate, there had never been any retreat.
She could only move forward.
Moreover…
A secret hope lingered in her heart—if this opportunity truly contained immortal energy, would it lessen the consumption of the immortal-tinged spiritual cluster in her dantian?
Would it allow her to experience those dreams more often?
At that moment, Ning Menglan and several Taiqing Sect elders arrived in her courtyard.
Unbeknownst to her, Xu Wanci’s status had long been elevated to that of the elders. When major sect affairs arose, no one overlooked her.
Seeing the determination in her eyes, the Grand Elder at the wooden gate already knew her choice.
His stern face softened with a hint of resignation.
As the highest-ranking elder in the Taiqing Sect, obtaining this opportunity would likely elevate his cultivation further.
But after meeting Xu Wanci’s gaze, he suppressed all such thoughts.
Upon reaching the late-stage Tribulation Transcension realm, most cultivators could faintly perceive their destined path.
To ascend, destiny was paramount.
Yet some still clung to futile hopes, struggling against the inevitable.
With this in mind, the Grand Elder regarded Xu Wanci with warmth.
He had made his choice long ago, when Chu Qingchuan first revealed his fortune.
He would not contend with Chu Qingchuan—nor would he contend with Xu Wanci.
The cultivation world needed its first successful ascendant.
Only then could the world achieve completion and true stability.
Sweeping his gaze over the assembled elders, the Grand Elder spoke with authority:
"Wanci, if you seek this opportunity, the Taiqing Sect will support you with all its might."
Xu Wanci blinked in surprise.
She knew from the original story that the Taiqing elders had sacrificed much to help Chu Qingchuan secure his opportunities.
But now that the same was being offered to her, she couldn’t bring herself to accept it without qualms.
If she wanted something, she would fight for it herself—she didn’t need others to relinquish their own chances for her sake.
Besides, she had faith in her own abilities.
Lifting her head, she met the Grand Elder’s gaze earnestly.
"Grand Elder, opportunities are not meant to be conceded."
"This one, in particular, holds immense significance. If any of the elders here are fortunate enough to obtain it, I will only offer my congratulations."
A faint smile touched her lips as she added,
"Though my cultivation is only at the Great Ascension stage, my spiritual sense rivals that of the elders. I may yet secure this opportunity on my own merit."
"If so, I hope the elders will not hold it against me."
Her words left the elders momentarily stunned.
Relinquishing an opportunity was never easy.
But they had long been accustomed to prioritizing the sect’s interests—pooling all resources to nurture the one most likely to achieve the Dao.
It was an unspoken rule they all accepted.
The Second Elder looked at the seriousness in Xu Wanci's eyes, feeling a surge of warmth in his heart:
If she had simply remained silent, everyone in the Taiqing Sect would have strived to secure the opportunity for her.
Yet she chose to openly renounce it in front of everyone.
With a light laugh, she replied, "Very well."
But whether it was her or the other elders, they had already made up their minds.
Compared to the Chu Qingchuan of the past, they were far more willing to let Xu Wanci obtain this opportunity.
A few hours later, the Taiqing Sect arrived at the Qiyi Desert aboard a flying vessel.
The celestial phenomenon had drawn the attention of the entire cultivation world, and many sects and noble clans were already waiting there—including the Jiang family.
Jiang Ze stared fixedly at Xu Wanci, who was dressed in blue robes.
Since the incident in the demon realm, he had not seen her again.
At first, it was because he was recovering from his injuries; later, it was because he didn’t dare.
The more he cared, the more he hesitated to approach.
Listening to the erratic pounding of his own heart, his voice came out slightly hoarse:
"Wanci, it’s been a long time."
Hearing the voice, Xu Wanci lifted her gaze toward him.
When she saw Jiang Ze, the corners of her lips curled into a polite smile:
"Venerable Moze."
Her tone carried gratitude:
"In the demon realm, I owe you for your assistance."
"Has your injury healed since then?"
Jiang Ze listened to her distant, courteous words, and the emotions in his heart gradually settled into quiet resignation. A trace of self-mockery flickered within him:
His trip to the demon realm hadn’t inflicted any lasting damage.
Yet Xu Wanci had first gifted him the Qiyun Elixir, then later presented the Jiang family with the Life-Longevity Flower.
Her repayment far exceeded what he had given her.
She had always drawn such a clear line with him.
In her heart, it was as if there was an unbreachable boundary—one that no one could cross.
His voice was low and rough:
"My injuries have long since healed. There’s no need for you to worry, Wanci."
Before he could say more, the leaders and elders of other sects had already approached Xu Wanci with amiable expressions.
Upon arriving, they had investigated and confirmed that the barrier would not dissipate for several more hours.
No matter what they did during this time, they couldn’t affect the barrier in the slightest.
No matter how great the opportunity within, they were powerless until the barrier lifted.
So, the moment they spotted Xu Wanci, they subtly began to gather around her.
She was no less valuable than the opportunity itself.
The opportunity could only benefit one person, but Xu Wanci could help all of them resolve their karmic debts!
Normally, Ning Menglan stood in the way, making it impossible for them to even catch a glimpse of her.
Even the most hot-tempered Venerable Lieyan forced his expression into something resembling gentleness as he looked at her.
Inside a pocket realm, Chu Qingchuan clenched his fists tightly as he watched Xu Wanci’s figure.
Why was she here?!
If it were only the other Venerables, given his fortune, he might still have a chance at seizing the opportunity.
But facing Xu Wanci? He stood almost no chance of winning.
From the moment of the sect competition, he had never once defeated her.
Now, not only had his fortune diminished, but his injuries hadn’t fully healed either.
Watching Xu Wanci being showered with attention, Chu Qingchuan abruptly shut his eyes.
Once, he had been the one everyone revered.
Now, he was like a rat scurrying in the shadows, not daring to let anyone notice him.
Jealousy and malice churned in his heart:
Hadn’t Xu Wanci once been willing to abandon everything—even her cultivation and the Great Dao—for the sake of the Immortal Venerable Qingyan?
This opportunity had nothing to do with the Immortal Venerable, so why was she here?!
Then, as if struck by a realization, he slowly opened his eyes again:
That was it. This place had no connection to the Immortal Venerable.
Xu Wanci’s presence here could only mean one thing.
Like everyone else, she had come for the opportunity.
For the chance to ascend.
Chu Qingchuan suddenly recalled his earlier doubts:
How had Xu Wanci resisted the Soul-Snaring Stone and the Myriad Spirit Water? Why had she struck without hesitation when he had disguised himself as the Immortal Venerable’s reincarnation?
If she had never truly loved the Immortal Venerable Qingyan, everything made sense.
Narrowing his eyes, he carefully reviewed Xu Wanci’s actions over this time.
The first time she publicly acknowledged her relationship with the Immortal Venerable Qingyan had been in the Judgment Hall.
Had she not spoken up then, she would have already been executed by the elders for allegedly harming the Jiang family’s young master.
Afterward, she had used the Soul-Severing Bone on him.
Her dramatic suicide attempt had overshadowed all suspicions.
But now that he thought about it, before her "suicide," both he and the elders had doubted her claims—and they had ways to test her.
Yet after her act, no one dared question her further.
She had only "died" once, only to be saved by the elders, yet she had completely escaped death’s grasp and become someone the Taiqing Sect had no choice but to protect.
At this realization, Chu Qingchuan’s heart pounded as if he had uncovered some earth-shattering secret:
What if Xu Wanci, like him, had once encountered the Immortal Venerable’s phantom? Or perhaps stumbled upon a legacy tied to him? If so, knowing about the Immortal Venerable wasn’t impossible.
After all, while she mourned the Immortal Venerable, she had never neglected her own cultivation—now reaching the Great Ascension stage.
Even when she used the Formless Divine Stone to pray for the Immortal Venerable’s revival, it had been under the watchful eyes of the entire cultivation world.
Had she prayed for herself, she would have been torn apart by the combined might of the Venerables in an instant.
Chu Qingchuan’s chest rose and fell silently:
If he could pretend to be the Immortal Venerable’s reincarnation to steal fortune, why couldn’t Xu Wanci pretend to love the Immortal Venerable to survive?
The identity of the Immortal Venerable’s beloved had brought her countless benefits.
He deliberately ignored the times Xu Wanci had risked her life for the Immortal Venerable, the fact that she could wield his divine artifacts, or that she remained unaffected by his spiritual pressure.
He dismissed it all as mere luck—as if she had simply stumbled upon the right opportunities.
In his mind, there was only one truth:
No one in this world would sacrifice everything for another.
Unless there was something to gain.
Just then, Gu Yunqi seemed to sense something. She abruptly turned, her gaze locking onto the space where the pocket realm was hidden.
Her mastery of formations had reached its peak, making her acutely sensitive to spatial fluctuations.
With a flick of her hand, a surge of spiritual energy shot toward the pocket realm.
The next moment, Chu Qingchuan tumbled out in disarray, landing right in front of the crowd.
At the sight of him, many cultivators frowned.
Chu Qingchuan had seized many opportunities—some from their own sects or territories, some even snatched right under their noses.
But out of deference to the Taiqing Sect and the Jiang family, and due to his status as the "Child of Fortune," they had turned a blind eye, treating those treasures as ownerless.
Now, however, everyone knew his true nature.
A man capable of ruthlessness against his own sect...
Everyone's gaze toward him was filled with icy disdain.
Ning Menglan flicked his sleeve and ordered Chu Qingchuan to be thrown out of the Qiyie Desert.
Bound by spiritual energy, Chu Qingchuan couldn’t move an inch.
Under the weight of the crowd’s scornful, disgusted stares, he glared viciously at Xu Wanci, the blue-robed figure standing not far away, bathed in adoration.
Clawing at the ground until his fingers bled, he refused to leave.
He had a premonition—if he were driven away now, he would never have another chance to challenge Xu Wanci.
Remembering his earlier suspicions, he cast aside all caution. Summoning his last protective artifact to shield himself, he lifted his head and shouted at Xu Wanci:
"Xu Wanci, do you truly love Immortal Venerable Qingyan?"
He had planned to wait until after this opportunity to gather evidence slowly.
But now, what better moment could there be than this?
Under the scrutiny of so many, she wouldn’t be able to evade the question or hide the truth—she would have to answer.
Everyone knew the depth of Xu Wanci’s devotion to the Immortal Venerable, having witnessed her brush with death time and again for his sake.
So when Chu Qingchuan voiced his accusation, no one doubted her. Instead, they worried his words might reopen old wounds.
Ning Menglan tightened his spiritual grip, intending to silence Chu Qingchuan for good.
Not just Ning Menglan—Jiang Ze and Ji Wang also unleashed their oppressive auras without hesitation.
Even with his artifact’s protection, Chu Qingchuan coughed up blood. Gritting his teeth through the pain, he laid out his suspicions.
From the Judgment Hall to the Formless Divine Stone, and now this ascension opportunity.
Finally, his artifact shattered under the collective pressure. Blood spilled from his lips, yet he forced out his words:
"Xu Wanci, if you loved the Immortal Venerable enough to die with him, why seize today’s opportunity? Why train day and night without rest?"
"From the Judgment Hall to now, in such a short time, you’ve risen from Golden Core to Mahayana."
"What skillful maneuvering."
A few recently emerged elders frowned faintly—Chu Qingchuan’s words held some logic.
But most had witnessed Xu Wanci’s actions firsthand, and many had even resolved karmic ties through her. To them, Chu Qingchuan was merely grasping at straws.
One elder glanced worriedly at Xu Wanci in the distance.
Her expression remained serene, utterly unshaken.
Even as Chu Qingchuan laid bare every step of her journey in the cultivation world, her gaze stayed fixed on the barrier ahead, her heartbeat steady.
From the moment the lies began, doubt had never ceased.
Today’s scene was far easier than the Judgment Hall or the Formless Divine Stone ordeal.
At least now, most people firmly believed in her bond with the Immortal Venerable.
Besides, Chu Qingchuan’s questioning only proved this was speculation—he had no evidence.
So she didn’t need to respond.
What truly mattered was his next move.
Seeing that no one believed him—that they even looked ready to cripple him to defend Xu Wanci—Chu Qingchuan spoke quickly before they could act:
"Xu Wanci, do you dare face the Mirror of Truth?"
The Mirror of Truth, capable of revealing one’s deepest desires, was a treasure he’d stumbled upon during his peak luck, though he’d rarely used it.
Now, to survive, he had no choice but to push forward.
Even if he’d convinced himself that Xu Wanci had no ties to the Immortal Venerable, he was only 30% certain.
But even if his guess was wrong—even if she and the Immortal Venerable had truly known each other—
After a hundred years, could her love for him remain unchanged?
Everything she’d done recently was to strengthen her own cultivation, not for the Immortal Venerable.
He was 70% certain that Xu Wanci’s true desires now had nothing to do with the Immortal Venerable.
Feeling his dantian half-shattered under the elders’ oppressive might, Chu Qingchuan rasped out:
"If you enter the Mirror of Truth, I’ll hand over the Immortal Venerable’s divine artifact—the Scripture of Refinement."
